Amidst escalating Israeli-Palestinian tensions, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday called for aggressive international efforts to bring about peace in the Palestinian territories.
According to a statement released by the Egyptian President, Sisi made the remarks during his interaction with the visiting US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, according to Xinhua news agency.
According to the statement, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which has lasted for many years, was one of the many regional and global topics discussed during the meet.
Sisi described the two-state solution as "the pathway toward achieving just and comprehensive peace for the benefit of the people of the region" while simultaneously urging for a halt to unilateral measures and conflict escalation.
Sisi emphasized, "Egypt's commitment to further intensifying cooperation with the US in an array of areas, particularly in the military and security fields," during the meeting, which also included Egypt's Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki,” reported news agency IANS.
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Austin highlighted Washington's appreciation of Egypt's vital role in the Middle East as "a rational and responsible stabilising force," while affirming the determination of the US to further strengthen its cooperation and strategic relationship with Egypt, particularly the defence cooperation.
Austin's visit to Egypt came following his visits to Jordan and Iraq where he met with leaders of both countries.
President Sisi's Trip To India
At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended India’s 74th Republic Day parade as the chief guest on January 26 in New Delhi. During the visit, Egypt and India decided to upgrade their relations to the level of a “strategic partnership.” The two countries pledged to work closer together on political, security, defense, energy and economic matters, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.